European students in the UK

The students who came to study at UK higher education institutions from EU countries in 2017/18 accounted for 30% of all non-UK students (458,490 students). Over 67% (94,080) were undergraduates, with 45,065 studying for a postgraduate qualification in the UK.

Factors such as subsidised ‘home’ fees for EU nationals, the proximity of the UK to the Continent (some European students even use the Channel Tunnel to commute to their UK institutions), the world-class British education system and the opportunity to learn in the global language of English all contribute to the popularity of studying in the UK, but one of the main reasons is that it’s such a great place to be a student.

Here are some further statistics about European students in the UK:

Top 5 European-Union countries of domicile (excluding the UK) for higher education enrolments in 2017/18

Italian (13,985 students, 10% of the total)

French (13,660, 9%)

German (13,545, 9%)

Greek (10,135, 7%)

Spanish (9,630, 6%).

Source: HESA Student Record 2017/18

What subjects do students from the European Union study in the UK?

The top five subject areas studied at UK higher education institutions in 2017/18 by students from European Union countries (excluding UK countries) were:

Business and administrative studies: 27,260 (19%)

Social studies: 14,330 (10%)

Biological sciences: 13,160 (9%)

Engineering and technology: 12,740 (9%)

Creative arts and design: 12,355 (8%)

Source: HESA Student Record 2017/18

Get involved

The findings of a report into what it’s like to be an international student in the UK confirms that the more you put into your UK study experience, the more you will get out. The report, entitled ‘Broadening Our Horizons’, found that taking part in any type of activity on campus is likely to result in you making friends with more British and other international students.

A sporting life

The UK is a sporting nation, and this is reflected at many universities. Playing sport is not only a great way to keep fit, it is also the perfect way to make friends and meet new people. As a student in the UK, you will be able to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities you’ll find at your university or college – from swimming pools and gyms to athletic tracks and tennis courts.

Clubs and societies

Got a passion for drama, photography or cinema? UK universities have an astonishing range of clubs and societies, often created by the students themselves, which cover a wide variety of interests.

You will often find there will be a student society dedicated to your country or region where you can meet fellow nationals and other students who are interested in where you come from. Sussex Hellenic Society at the University of Sussex, for example, is aimed at all students with a love of the Hellenic culture, with a mission to provide support and a community to Greek and Cypriot students at the University. This is achieved by organising events such as dinners, Greek BBQs, sports events and other activities. These events are also open to UK and other international students with a passion for Greek and Cypriot food, music and culture.

Likewise, the French Society at Swansea University gives all the University’s students the opportunity to experience a taste of French culture, practise using their French language skills and meet a variety of people from different cultures.

You can easily find out about the clubs and societies on offer at an institution by checking its website or asking its International Office.

What help is available?

What can you expect in terms of official support from your UK college or university? Apart from a dedicated International Office and tuition in English language if you need it, UK universities will offer a combination of other support activities such as:

foundation programmes that are designed to prepare international students for studying in the UK

job shops, which are there to help you find part-time work to support your studies

careers services, which provide information and advice about employment after you complete your course

accommodation officers, who can help you to find somewhere suitable to live

buddy schemes, which pair you with a more experienced fellow national

student ambassadors, who lead activities for particular countries

dedicated facilities for international students, such as international student lounges and halls of residences

welcome orientations for international students, which are usually free of charge.

On top of this, there will be the student support offered by your institution’s students’ union and by volunteer societies.

The National Union of Students (NUS) is a confederation of student representative organisations in UK universities and colleges, which represents the interests of around seven million students in further and higher education throughout the country. The NUS runs an International Students’ campaign that aims to help international students with any issues they face, and represent them at a local, national or international level.

British student culture

British student culture can no longer be simply defined. The wide variety of students flocking to UK institutions from around the world has created a melting pot of different cultures – not just within the universities and colleges, but also in the towns and cities that host the institutions.

Just one piece of evidence is the huge range of European and international cuisines and beverages sold at the bars and cafes that adorn UK campuses, towns and cities. So if you’re missing the taste of home, you’ll always be able to find a restaurant serving authentic cuisine from your home country.

Student newspapers have debated the new meaning of what it is to be British, since the quest for an international education has brought so many nationalities to UK shores. The landscapes of the UK’s university towns and cities are enhanced with young and fresh faces – in the shopping centres, on the streets and in the bars, pubs and clubs, you will find an eclectic mix of faiths, nationalities and races.

A unique student scene

The student scene in the UK is lively, unique and interesting. Wherever you study, you’ll find an extensive and exciting social aspect to your study experience, and many activities to keep you occupied both on and off campus. The choices for students coming to the UK from Europe are vast and growing. If ever there were a time to be a student in the UK, it is now.